Mizumoto returns to First Hawaiian

Lance Mizumoto, a one-time candidate to become chief executive officer at Central Pacific Bank, has rejoined First Hawaiian Bank as executive vice president and commercial real estate division manager.

Mizumoto, 58, replaces Ralph Mesick, who was promoted by First Hawaiian in May to executive vice president and chief risk officer of the risk management group. Mizumoto has more than 35 years of banking experience and previously worked at First Hawaiian from 1996 to 2005.

At Central Pacific, Mizumoto was co-president with Catherine Ngo from May 2014 until July 1, 2015, when Ngo was chosen as CEO. Mizumoto subsequently was named vice chairman and chief operating officer. Mizumoto resigned from Central Pacific on Nov. 30 last year in a departure that the bank called “a personal decision.” Mizumoto had a total annual wage package of $854,694 in 2015. His pay package at First Hawaiian was not disclosed.

Mizumoto also serves as chairman of the state Board of Education. He succeeded Don Horner, former CEO of First Hawaiian. Mizumoto also is a regent for Chaminade University of Honolulu.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to return to First Hawaiian Bank,” Mizumoto said. “The bank is clearly headed for bigger and better things, and I want to contribute to its continued success.”

First Hawaiian, trading under its new holding company name of First Hawaiian Inc., began trading publicly in August.